The Kano State Government has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, as a public holiday to mourn the tragic loss of 22 athletes, coaches, and officials who died in a devastating auto crash while returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, currently performing the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia, described the incident as a “dark moment” in the state’s history, noting that the victims represented some of Kano’s most talented and promising young individuals.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Tofa, the governor expressed deep grief and extended condolences to the families of the deceased and the wider sports community in Kano.
“It is with profound sorrow that I received the news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 22 of our citizens and injured several others.
On behalf of the government and the people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences. We mourn with the bereaved families and share in their pain,” the statement read.
The victims were part of Kano’s official contingent to the recently concluded National Sports Festival. The accident occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway as they returned from the event.
Describing the incident as a collective tragedy, the governor said the loss had plunged the state into mourning.
“These were young, vibrant individuals who represented our state with pride.
Their passing is not just a loss to their families but to the entire Kano State,” the statement added.
To honour the deceased, Governor Yusuf directed that Monday be observed as a day of mourning across the state.
He called on residents to use the day for prayers and reflection in memory of the lives lost.
“As a mark of respect and remembrance, Monday, June 2, 2025, is declared a public holiday across Kano State.
We urge citizens to pray for the souls of the departed and extend support to their grieving families,” the governor said.
The state government also called on Islamic clerics and the Muslim community in and outside Kano to offer special prayers for the victims and for strength for their loved ones during this period of immense sorrow.